Maguire-Drew glad to be an Imp

Jordan Maguire-Drew says the opportunity to join Lincoln City was too good to turn down after penning a one-year loan deal with the Imps on Monday.

The Brighton winger, 19, who has been training with City for the past few weeks, spent last season on a similar deal at Dagenham & Redbridge, scoring 15 goals in 47 outings, and says he is delighted to be furthering his career at Sincil Bank.

He said: 'I have instantly made a connection with Danny and Nick and it's a great club to be at. I played here last season and I thought they were the toughest team in the league and their organisation of the team was unbelievable. It was also frightening how good their fans were, so when I got the chance to come here I couldn't really say no.

'The place was bouncing and I hope the fans can take me to like one of their own and I can give them what they deserve. I am looking forward to playing in League Two, it's another new challenge for me and it will make me a better player.'

'I spoke to Joe Ward briefly about Lincoln and he couldn't speak highly enough about the club. I have not heard one bad thing about the club and am looking forward to working with Danny and Nick.'

The teenager also scored eight goals in six outings for Worthing late on in the 2015-16 season, helping the Mackerels to promotion to the Ryman Premier League, through the play-offs, and when asked what his favoured position is, he added: 'Predominantly I like to play wide right, but I don't mind the No.10 role or wide on the left. I want to play games, score goals, provide assists, excite the fans and do well for Lincoln City.'

Maguire-Drew, who has a six-month recall option on his loan move, is highly regarded by the coaching staff at Premier League Brighton and Under-23s coach Simon Rusk is pleased the teenager has joined the Imps, saying: 'This represents an excellent opportunity for Jordan to play more regular first team football at a League Two club.

'He had a brilliant season with Dagenham and Redbridge in the National League, and this move will only further aid him in his development.'